mothers’ union – southwark diocese annual report...
TRANSCRIPT
MOTHERS’ UNION – SOUTHWARK DIOCESE
Annual Report and Statement of Financial Activities
For the year ended 31 December 2014
Registered Charity Number: 249815
Mothers’ Union Office Trinity House
4 Chapel Court Borough High Street London
SE1 1HW
Bankers: HSBC 66 High Street
New Malden Surrey KT3 4HD
Independent Examiner: Michael Folger
15 Hillcrest Road, Hythe Kent CT21 5EU
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The Mothers’ Union - Southwark Diocese Registered Charity Number 249815
Registered office: Mothers’ Union Office, Trinity House,
4 Chapel Court, Borough High Street, London SE1 1HW.
Tel: 0207 939 9459 Email:[email protected]
Legal and Administrative Information The Trustee Board in 2014
Diocesan President: Elizabeth Pullen
Area Vice Presidents: Norma McKnight and Ann Squirrell (joint) (Croydon),
Sue Betts (Kingston)
Pearl Virno (Reigate), (Woolwich - Vacant) Unit Co-ordinators: Hilary Richardson (Action & Outreach), Anne Jeanes (Finance) Victoria Adejobi (Prayer & Spirituality), Jodie Lomax (Marketing), Social Policy Co-ordinator position vacant
Area Representatives: Lesley Frankham, Monica Grant (Croydon) Pat Fisher, Ann Fernihough (Kingston) Heather Wells, Gill Mason (Reigate) Sue Steel, Victoria Dirwayi (Woolwich) Hon Treasurer: Jean Hatton In attendance but non-voting: Anne Love (Diocesan Secretary), The Revd Kevin Scott (Chaplain) Bank HSBC, 66 High Street, New Malden, Surrey KT3 4HD
Independent Examiner Mr M Folger, 15 Hillcrest Road, Hythe, Kent CT21 5EU Patronage
The Mothers’ Union Southwark Diocese is under the patronage and sanction of the Bishop of
the Diocese. It is affiliated to its parent charity, The Mothers’ Union (Reg Charity No. 240531,
headquarters at Mary Sumner House, Westminster), but is an autonomous organisation.
Organisational structure and decision making
The affairs of the Mothers’ Union in the diocese are managed by the Board of Trustees. Under
the Diocesan Constitution and Handbook, revised 2005, the Trustees are elected on a triennial
basis. Elections took place in 2012 with the new Board taking office on 1 January 2013. All
subscribing members of the MU in the diocese are entitled to vote for the Diocesan President
and Unit Coordinators; members from each geographical Area vote for their own Vice President
and two Area Representatives on the Trustee Board. The Trustees appoint the Honorary
Treasurer, the Training Officer, the Safeguarding officer and the Newsletter Editor, and may co-
opt up to three additional members with specific skills onto the Trustee Board for the triennial.
The Diocesan Chaplain is appointed after consultation between the Diocesan Bishop and the
Southwark MU President. Also appointed by the Trustee Board is the Away From It All (AFIA)
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Co-ordinator. The Trustees employ a part-time secretary, who manages the office and provides
administrative support for the Trustee Board.
The Trustee Board generally meets five times a year for the initial discussion of ideas from
which plans may be formulated. These plans are taken forward to Diocesan Council, meeting
twice a year, when the membership is given the opportunity to vote on whether or not these
plans are in line with the Aim and Objects of Mothers’ Union.
The Annual General Meeting (AGM) usually takes place in June or early July at which meeting
the Annual Report and Accounts are presented to the membership. Council and the AGM are
open to all members although voting rights at Diocesan Council are restricted.
Southwark Diocesan Mothers’ Union is divided into four geographical areas. These four areas
are subdivided into deaneries and thence into branches which coincide in most instances with
church parishes. There are 80 branches in the Diocese to which over 1,600 members belong,
though deanery and diocesan members are often invited to their meetings. Branches generally
hold regular monthly or quarterly meetings, and events are also held at deanery and diocesan
level. Branches are responsible for looking after the Indoor Members (IMPC) within their
boundaries. These IMPC members receive regular postings from the Diocese and visits from
members of the branches to which they belong.
Within the Southwark Diocesan Mothers’ Union there are five working units: Action and
Outreach, Finance and Administration, Fundraising and Communications (formerly Marketing),
Prayer and Spirituality, and Social Policy. These units report to the Trustee Board and to
Diocesan Council, and the reports on the following pages outline the work carried out by the
committees as they seek to perform God’s work within the Diocese and worldwide.
Our Aim and Purpose
To demonstrate the Christian faith in action
by the transformation of communities worldwide
through the nurture of the family in its many forms.
Our Vision is of a world where God’s love is shown through loving, respectful and flourishing
relationships. Mothers’ Union is firmly rooted in a voluntary ethos, with its governance,
leadership and programmes being planned and undertaken by members responding to God’s
call to faith and action.
Within Southwark Diocese, over sixteen hundred members are praying and working together to
share Christ’s love through the encouragement, strengthening and support of marriage and
family life, making a real difference to many of the communities where they live, as well as
supporting the worldwide work of the Mothers’ Union through prayer and fundraising.
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Our Mission (The Five Objects)
(1) To promote and support marriage
(2) To encourage parents to develop the faith of their children
(3) To maintain a worldwide fellowship of Christians united in prayer,
worship and service
(4) To promote conditions in society favourable to stable family life
and the protection of children
(5) To help those whose family life has met with adversity
Southwark Mothers’ Union: a Personal Reflection on 2014
The members of Southwark Mothers’ Union have all worked hard but joyously during the year to
fulfil the vision of helping to bring about “a world where God’s love is shown through loving,
respectful and flourishing relationships.”
Central to all the work is of course, prayer. All members pray daily wherever they are, for
families and members throughout the world, but they also reach out to
families in their own communities, supporting their material needs, and
by enabling parents, families and communities to realise their innate
potential. In 2014, members have demonstrated their commitment to
God and to furthering his Kingdom by campaigning for social justice
for all.
Cathedral Prayers, held every month in the Harvard Chapel at
Southwark Cathedral, goes from strength to strength. Led by members
from each area in turn, and including short tributes to past members,
this service is now well-attended: frequently also by the families of
those who are remembered, as well as MU members and members of the public. Families find
the service affirming and cathartic in their grief.
Two other services are held annually: a large Festival Service at the Cathedral, and an Advent
Service, which was this year held at All Saints, West Dulwich. MU members were blessed by
having a bishop to give the address at both of these services. The Bishop of Woolwich said in
his address at the Cathedral that members of the Mothers’ Union are uniquely placed in
enabling their own children and grandchildren to learn more of Christ and His work. At the
Advent Service, the Bishop of Kingston showed us just how important it is at the beginning of
the Church’s year, to sit quietly and take stock, without the need to rush into Christmas.
Fundraising is an important part of the work of the Mothers’ Union as it enables others who are
less fortunate to make the most of their own resources. The following pages outline some of the
ways in which fundraising was carried out, and to what end, but particular mention must be
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made of Sue Steel, Lewisham Deanery Leader, who organised a hugely successful and
enjoyable event to raise funds for the central Mothers’ Union’s Literacy and Financial Education
Programme. The efforts of the new branch at Mitcham Parish Church are also applauded.
Within Southwark there were many opportunities for training, enabling and discussion at
different levels, and my thanks are due to Ann Wright, the Southwark MU Training Officer, for
co-ordinating training for branch and deanery treasurers and also for the officers – and
interested members – from those branches that had opened within the last 10 years.
Information-sharing is an important part of our work to enable all to carry out God’s work to the
best of their ability. Ideas are exchanged which benefit not only members, but the communities
in which they live and work.
Mention is made later of the successful Inspired Day which also led to
benefits for the public at large. The Branch Visits were a success too, since
they enabled all members to share their successes and grouses with the
Trustees who could in turn pass on the good ideas and sort out any possible
problems.
At the request of the Diocesan Communications Officer, the Trustees assembled all the
information regarding the Bishop’s Lent Appeal to be sent to parishes and schools. This not only
saved the Diocese a considerable sum, but also gave the Trustees themselves an insight into
the projects being supported within the Diocese and in its linked dioceses in Zimbabwe. With
foreknowledge of these projects it was made possible for the Trustees to hold them in prayer.
2014 was the year in which Rosemary Kempsell was honoured by the Queen in the New Year’s
Honours List. Rosemary was awarded the CBE in recognition of all she had done to help
transform communities across the world while she was Worldwide President of Mothers’ Union.
Southwark Mothers’ Union is also honoured to count her among its members: she is a former
Diocesan President and is currently part of the Finance and Administration Committee.
During the year members of Southwark Diocesan Mothers’ Union have also campaigned for
justice for the abused and distributed leaflets helping parents show their children the true
meaning of Christmas. It has been a real privilege and encouragement to work with each and
every member, all of whom have supported the Aim and Objects in such an exemplary way. I
am very grateful to everyone for all you have done to help God’s people flourish in Southwark
and beyond.
Elizabeth Pullen, Diocesan President
Southwark Mothers’ Union 2014: through the eyes of the Unit Co-ordinators
Action and Outreach Unit
Early in 2014, some 50 people were able to attend an
INSPIRED day at Trinity House. This was despite atrocious
weather the night before, which meant there was a lot of travel
disruption. Jane Groves, Head of Action and Outreach at Mary
Sumner House, together with Catherine Kyte, Faith and Policy
Officer also from Mary Sumner House, led us through a series
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of meditations and exercises designed to refine what we are offering in our branches, deaneries
and the diocese as a whole, whilst making sure we are all grounded in bible study and prayer.
Following the day, several branches are beginning to explore new ways of working, the most
popular being MU PLUS meetings. These are usually for smaller groups who want to socialise,
but also give an opportunity to pray together and have an update on Mothers’ Union news,
activities, and events.
The Tea at Three initiative at St Thomas’/Evelina London Children’s
Hospital continued to flourish. With more volunteers undertaking the
training at the hospital, we have been able to increase the service to twice
a month, with three people present at each session. We have also begun
to take small knitted garments in for the parents when they leave hospital.
Several branches support their local hospitals in this way too, and also by
stitching “Crosses in Pockets.”
Jan Gosling once again masterminded the buying, wrapping, and distribution of presents for the
children at HMP Young Offenders Institution Isis and HMP Belmarsh Visitors’ Centre at
Christmas. These presents were very much appreciated by the children. Jan had a great deal
of assistance from staff at Argos, who helped her get the most out of any special offers. Letters
of thanks were sent to Argos from Mothers’ Union Southwark; and received by us from
Spurgeon’s Trust on behalf of the recipients of the presents. Sutton Deanery also supplied
Easter Eggs and Christmas presents for the children using the Visitors’ Centre at HMP
Highdown in Surrey.
We were able to offer 10 families a holiday through the Away From It All holiday scheme. In
total, 36 people benefited, 6 of whom had special needs. The average cost per person was
£148.63. Some holidays were for 7 days, and some for 4 days.
Unfortunately during 2014 the project in Reigate Deanery to provide flowers in the Chapel at
Tinsley House came to an end. Regulations at the prison changed, which meant it was not
possible to provide the flowers in the same way as had been done in previous years. We were
sorry to lose this project, but are grateful to those who have given their time arranging flowers
over the last 15 years or so.
There are a few parenting groups being run in the diocese, but at present, there are few calls for
the services of our excellent facilitators. On the other hand, many branches either run or
support Toddler Groups in their churches, and in this way reach out to a large number of
families.
Another new venture in 2014, which we hope will grow, was Mothers’ Union participation in a
group facilitating and exploring support for parents. The aim of the group is to enable parents to
find time for their own spiritual growth and sustenance, amidst the wonder and chaos of young
children. There is a lot of support and back-up directed towards the children, but there was felt
to be a need for parents to find time for themselves. The first meeting was held in October 2014
at Holy Trinity Church, Wimbledon, and it is hoped to grow and develop this initiative in the
coming year.
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Our members continue to work hard in their branches on local projects, with most working in
some way to support families coming for baptism. There is also a lot of support for women’s
refuges, refugee centres, foodbanks, and Welcare. Members are meeting the needs of their
own communities, whatever they may be, supported always by prayer and the strength of our
Saviour, Jesus Christ. I thank them all for all they continue to do.
At the end of 2014, our long-held links in the Wave of Prayer changed. Our links have been
with Butere in Kenya, The Northern Territory in Australia and Aba, Calabar, Niger Delta North,
and Uyo in Nigeria, and these dioceses have been contacted regularly by Wyn Collis, Kay
Grimshaw, and Margaret Palmer. These correspondents have written to their contacts to thank
them for their love and support over the years, to wish them well with their new links, and to say
we will continue to remember them with affection. My thanks go to these three ladies, and their
predecessors, who helped maintain contact with these links over many years. We look forward
to establishing an equal rapport with our new links in 2015 and the years to come.
(Objects 1,2,3,4 and 5)
Hilary Richardson
Unit Co-ordinator
Finance and Administration Unit
During the past year we have held five meetings spread throughout the year, approximately a
fortnight before Trustee meetings. This enables us to make recommendations to the Trustee
board for their decision or approval.
Our meetings normally follow the same format, prayers, and the minutes of the previous
meeting with any follow up from them. The Treasurer, Jean Hatton, then gives us a financial
update. We are grateful to those branches that send in their accounts promptly and accurately.
Michael Folger, our Independent Examiner, signed off the accounts for 2012/2013 and we
managed to send our accounts to the Charity Commission on time. We are indebted to Michael
for his assistance with this work but he has now indicated that he wishes to retire and we are
exploring the possibilities of a successor. We thank him for his patience and care in this
valuable work for the Southwark Mothers’ Union. We are also grateful to Kathy Wright for all the
work that she undertakes to reclaim Gift Aid on donations where appropriate. This enables us to
keep our diocesan subscription down as the money reclaimed totals over £3000. During the
year we review the secretary’s annual salary and make decisions on the diocesan subscription
once we have heard the amount of the central subscription from Mary Sumner House.
At the beginning of the year we held two training days for speakers on the 2014 theme of
‘Nourishing and Flourishing’ and a day for “Newish Branches” was organised for those
members who were unable to attend one in late 2013. We are very grateful to Ann Wright for
arranging these meetings along with all that she does to help the Treasurer with the accounts.
We were very pleased to hear that Heather Wells had volunteered to become the new
Safeguarding Officer for Southwark Mothers’ Union. We also recommended that all area
representatives serve on one of the units. They have agreed to this and have been appointed to
a unit of their choice.
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During the year we have updated many forms and have been reviewing the Branch File. We
also made a suggestion to Trustees that they should mention Risk Assessment during their
visits to branches which took place during the year.
We have also increased the insurance for Mothers’ Union banners so that we are adequately
covered if a disaster should occur during a diocesan service when up to 50 expensive banners
are all together in one place. During the year Sue Steel has been working on a pull up style
banner which will be available to borrow in early 2015.
In June order forms for Families First and Families Worldwide are sent out to Branch Leaders
and Treasurers and I would recommend these publications to all our membership as being an
excellent source of information and prayer.
At our meeting in early September, the Mothers’ Union theme for 2015 had been announced as
‘United in Prayer’ and we recommended that the Trustee board accept this
for the coming year. A speakers’ meeting was organised for November
with another in the New Year.
At this time we felt that the amount of money used to buy Christmas
presents for the children of prisoners should be increased from £750 to
£1000.
Unfortunately the central subscription had not been announced, so we had
to make our proposals on this in November for approval by Trustees in
December.
During mid-September, the Diocesan Secretary, Treasurer and Finance Co-ordinator attended
a unit conference at Swanwick in Derbyshire. We were accompanied by three other Southwark
representatives who were attending conferences on Fundraising and Communications and MU
Enterprises. We are all grateful to the diocese for allowing us to participate in these conferences
We learned of new ventures and exchanged relevant views and information with our colleagues
from all over Britain and Ireland. The highlights for me were the presentations by Reg Bailey,
Chief Executive of the Mothers’ Union. He talked about the upcoming triennial elections and
how we must empower people to make decisions and be passionate about the tasks to be
undertaken. After coffee Reg gave an address entitled ‘Onwards and Upwards’ where he talked
and showed clips of the work of the Mothers’ Union throughout the world. This made us feel
very proud of the organisation to which we belong.
2014 seems to have been a very busy but satisfying year for the unit and I am indebted to all
the members for their hard work and shared experiences. They help and support me
enormously.
(Objects 1,2,3,4 and 5)
Anne Jeanes,
Unit Co-ordinator
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Fundraising and Communications (Marketing)
“Providing funds and information that promote the Mothers’ Union.”
Fundraising
If asked to state, briefly, what the F&C Unit is about, I reckon that
the above line comes close. In 2014, members of Southwark
Mothers’ Union were informed of and participated in the Make a
Mother’s Day Appeal, the Richmond Fun Run, the Wheels Appeal,
and Ride London. All the above were fundraising events emanating
from the MU Central Office and carrying their own motifs and
familiar forms.
More local to Southwark Mothers’ Union was the “Lewisham Walk”, organized by Sue Steel
(member of the MU branch at St. Mary the Virgin, Lewisham) in
support of the Mothers’ Union Literacy and Financial Education
Programme. Covering a distance of 13 ½ miles, over 100 walkers –
including the Bishop of Woolwich and the Archdeacon of Lewisham -
visited thirteen churches with Mothers’ Union branches. A few of the
walkers could only cover some of the distance, but such was their
enthusiasm for the project that they did not want to be left out! Others
were able to walk the entire distance. At each stop, refreshments
were offered, a prayer was said by the local branch leader reflecting
local concerns, and testimony from one of the Programme’s recipients
was read out by Sue. The atmosphere was a mixture of calmness and
high spirits – quite special. The sum raised through sponsorship was an incredible £4,093, with
a further £400 raised in Gift Aid.
Around the Diocese, Mothers’ Union branches engage in their own fundraising activities. An
International Evening and disco was held by the ten-month-old MU branch at Mitcham Parish
Church, raising £933!
Communications
A great deal of material is communicated to the Diocese through Mary Sumner House (central
“headquarters” of the Mothers’ Union) and its staff which keeps us up to date through, among
other things, the electronic publications of Faith & Policy Watch and the monthly enewsletter.
These pass on the latest thinking and “goings on” in the Mothers’ Union. Information highlights
in 2014 include:
Changes to the Central Trustee Board which is now more representative of the
worldwide membership and works as an entity rather than in separate units.
The success of the Church Community Mobilization Programme (CCMP), an initiative by
which local MU members and other mission groups such as Tearfund and US (formerly
USPG) work in partnership. Through Bible reading, prayer, and its local knowledge, a
group comes to recognize the needs of its community and develops an approach to
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meet those needs using skills already present within the group - be it homecare, growing
crops, malaria control or child development.
Global issues involving and affecting Christians, such as
1. The strife in Sudan and Southern Sudan where Mothers’ Union has a significant
presence
2. The work and fellowship of Mothers’ Union in Asia including a gathering of some
1,700 members in Myanmar
3. The plight of Christians in Iraq
4. The kidnap of Nigerian school girls by the extremist group, Boko Haran, and the
measures taken by Mothers’ Union in addressing those difficult matters.
Information and resources about issues closer to home, for example
1. Updates on the Bye Buy Childhood Campaign including steps taken (ratings for on-
line music videos) and steps which are recommended to be taken (a filtering system
for public wi fi).
2. A downloadable resource pack in connection with the “16 Days of Activism against
Gender Violence” campaign.
Within the Diocese, we have produced Laminated Mothers’ Union
logos and Laminated Mothers’ Union Aims and Objects for use on
notice boards, two “roll up”, stand-alone, specially designed,
Southwark Mothers’ Union Banners, and a “Wedding Card” with a
message of love and a prayer of thanks that can be exchanged by the
couple on their wedding day.
It has been my pleasure to have served as unit head of the Fundraising
and Communications Unit for the year and I am very grateful for the
support received over the year from Mary Sumner House and from my
fellow Trustees.
(Objects 1,2,3,4 and 5)
Jodie Lomax
Unit Co-ordinator
Prayer and Spirituality Unit
The year 2014 was eventful, with the Unit working on our projects and also taking on new
challenges. Consisting of the Diocesan President, Liz Pullen, representatives of the four Areas
of Southwark Diocesan Mothers’ Union and the Unit Co-ordinator, the Unit is also privileged to
have the Diocesan Chaplain, the Revd Kevin Scott, as a member.
Indoor Members continue to be remembered by the usual
mailings sent to them thrice a year by the Indoor Members’
Representative, for which appreciation is always expressed. The
mailings consist of a variety of information resources which can
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include a newsletter, a letter from Mary Sumner House, ‘Southwark News’, the Intercession
Calendar, the Wave of Prayer leaflet, the Advent Calendar and cards for special occasions,
Easter and Christmas. The response is always overwhelmingly positive, which humbles those
delivering the service and reminds us that our efforts are valued and seen as worthwhile.
During the year Olu Akitoye took over as Indoor Members Representative, following the
resignation of Elaine Williams, who had faithfully held the post for many years. We thank both of
these ladies for their commitment to their work. Indeed, Elaine continues to write an article on
faith for the Southwark MU Newsletter.
Festival Service for 2014: a Eucharist took place on Saturday, 17 May with the usual colourful
procession of banners from all over the diocese at the start of the service. The Bishop of
Woolwich, the Right Revd Dr Michael Ipgrave addressed the congregation on the diocesan
theme for the year, Nourishing and Flourishing, his text being John 15:1-15: I am the vine and
you are the branches. He encouraged members of the Mothers’ Union to continue sharing the
Word of God by their commitment to nourishing the Christian faith through the love of God
within their families and beyond. Somto Ibezi was admitted as a Diocesan Member during the
service and a prayer marker was also distributed.
Diocesan Retreat took place on 14-16 October at Wychcroft, the Southwark Diocese Retreat
and Conference Centre in the Surrey countryside. Jenifer Davison gave a talk at Diocesan
Council about the benefits of a retreat. It was a privilege
to have Chris Chapman as leader of the retreat. Chris,
who is the Southwark Diocesan Spiritual Formation
Adviser, gave much food for thought and contemplation,
and showed how prayer could be experienced through
practical activities such as walking, painting or singing. It
was the first retreat for some who joined a number of
regulars. Participants all gave positive feedback about the retreat, with a recurring theme that
they found the time there to be inspiring and uplifting. The facilities and provision for those
looking for silence, space for those who preferred to talk, and company for the lonely were
particularly highlighted, and one attendee summarised the retreat as “accommodating, inspiring
and uplifting.”
Trustees’ Quiet Day took place in November, at the church St John the Baptist, Malden and
was led by the incumbent, Kevin Scott, who is also the Diocesan Chaplain.
Advent Service: this annual service takes place in a different Episcopal Area every year and
this year took place on Wednesday, 3 December, at All Saints, West Dulwich in the Kingston
Area. The preacher was the Bishop of Kingston, the Right Revd Dr Richard Cheetham.
Advent Calendar: was produced as a double-sided document, one side for adults and the
other for children, with prayers, readings and activities for each day of Advent.
The Wave of Prayer: took place on 11-15 August 2014. The P&S Unit, in co-operation with the
Action and Outreach Unit, formulates a short service containing information about our links,
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which is sent to every branch. Branches and deaneries meet together during this time to pray
specifically for our members and work of the Mothers’ Union in our link dioceses of Aba,
Calabar, Uyo and Niger Delta North in the Province of Nigeria; Butere in Kenya; Northern
Territory in Australia; our UK link diocese of Oxford; and for ourselves in Southwark Diocese.
We also pray for the Southwark Diocesan links in Zimbabwe. Those members who are unable
to gather with others – for example, who are on holiday – undertake to pray privately at specific
times. In common with all UK dioceses, our links from 2015 will change: from 2015 the links will
be with the Mothers’ Union members in the dioceses of Harare, Machakos, Ogori Magongo and
Ekiti in African Provinces, and with Phulbani in India.
Cathedral Midday Prayers: are held every fourth Wednesday of the month in the Harvard
Chapel of Southwark Cathedral between 11.45 am and 12.15 pm. Prayers are creative,
conservative or traditional, depending on the choice of the leader, and are led in rotation by
each of our four Areas: Croydon, Kingston, Reigate and Woolwich. A workshop is planned for
next year to enable members to become more involved with leading prayers in the Cathedral, in
their branches or indeed in their churches, and to give them the confidence and resources
needed.
Mothers’ Union Prayers for morning, afternoon and evening meetings were written by Evelyn
Randall, a member of the P&S Unit, and distributed to branches.
Emergency Prayer Chain: This is in the process of being set up and already there is a list of
members who have expressed an interest in participating. There is still room for more members
who are interested in the scheme. The chain works by having an identified contact point of two
members, who would receive the prayer request, with/without identification. The initial contact
will pass on the request to the team without any identification details. The identifiable
information behind the request is thus protected, and confidentiality unbreached.
(Objects 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5)
Victoria Adejobi
Unit Co-ordinator
Social Policy Unit
The Social Policy Unit is concerned particularly with the last two of the Mothers’ Union Objects
which are “to promote conditions in society favourable to stable family life and the protection of
children,” and “to help those whose family life has met with adversity.” In order to do this, there
is a strong working link with the Government and with the United Nations. Southwark Social
Policy Unit works within the Diocese and branches to raise awareness of issues of local,
Mary Sumner’s Personal Prayer
All this day, O Lord,
let me touch as many lives as possible for thee;
and every life I touch, do thou by thy Spirit quicken,
whether through the word I speak,
the prayer I breathe or the life I live.
AMEN
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national and international importance, to gather responses to discussions and to enable
members to engage actively in local issues which affect marriage and family life.
Faith and Policy Watch, the monthly publication from Central Mothers’ Union Faith and Policy
Unit, describing policies, parliamentary proceedings, activities and initiatives, all with some
bearing on families, is now received by most of the branches in the Diocese. The branch
leaders in turn distribute it further so that the articles are read by those beyond the immediate
membership. Members around the Diocese have been active in considering the needs and the
instances of injustice around them and when necessary have petitioned MPs and local
councillors bringing these needs to their notice.
Consultations: Southwark Mothers’ Union members have been diligent in responding to the
three consultations sent out via Central Mothers’ Union during the year.
- In February, following the Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Act 2013, allowing couples of
the same sex as well as couples of the opposite sex to marry, the UK Government
committed to undertaking a review of civil partnerships in England and Wales. The
opinions of Mothers’ Union members formed part of the review.
- In June members responded to a consultation from the Crown Prosecution Service on
guidelines for prosecutors when handling a case of domestic violence.
- Finally in August, an independent commission, the Commission on Religion and Belief in
British Public Life, undertook a consultation considering the place and rôle of religion
and belief in contemporary Britain.
All of these consultations generated much interest in Southwark and members responded to
each of them in some numbers. The final consultation, considering the importance of the place
and rôle of religion and belief in modern Britain, was of particular interest.
Campaigning: Southwark Mothers’ Union members have continued their interest in the “Bye
Buy Childhood Campaign” regarding the commercialisation and sexualisation of children, and
have been active in bringing instances of inappropriate messages or materials to the notice of
the UK media regulators. More leaflets outlining the tenets of the ParentPort website were
distributed during the year, together with a new leaflet informing parents what they could do to
counteract internet abuse and the prevalence of sexting. These were widely distributed
throughout the Diocese, reaching homes and schools outside the immediate local church
congregations.
Towards Christmas, posters were put up in churches, schools libraries, and postcards
distributed which contained ideas for parents and
carers on avoiding commercialisation at Christmas.
This resource outlined alternative gifts of time,
confidence, friendship skills and safety.eep Calm and
Celebrate Christmas
The 16 Days of Activism against Gender Based Violence began on 25th November 2014.
This international campaign takes place annually and is designed to raise awareness of the
horrifying facts of the vast numbers of women – and in some cases, men – who have
experienced gender-based violence. In Southwark many branches and individuals down-loaded
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the calendar to carry out the daily instructions, and even more were actively praying for an end
to this violence, holding vigils and open meetings. Southwark Mothers’ Union members continue
to raise awareness of this important issue locally and to pray for the work
Mothers’ Union is doing worldwide to counteract its effects. Many branches,
and in some cases, whole congregations, are involved in collecting toiletries,
sanitary wear, underwear, bedding, toys, groceries and kitchen equipment
for the local refuges for the survivors of domestic violence. St Mildred’s,
Addiscombe, the Church of the Good Shepherd, Tadworth, and St
Dunstan’s, Cheam, deserve particular mention in this respect: members of St Dunstan’s go
regularly to their local refuge to teach the survivors and their children to cook.
The foodbank project set up in 2013 goes from strength to strength and MU members all over
Southwark are actively involved in donating to the banks themselves
and urging whole congregations to donate. Many are also involved with
taking these donations to the local collection point, and indeed with the
distribution. The members from St Mary’s, Lewisham, collect unbroken
packets of sandwiches from local shops to distribute to the refugee
centre. At the same time as this practical activity, members are also
asking questions of their MPs and local councillors as to why there is a
necessity for foodbanks in Britain.
It has been a privilege and joy to work with Southwark members who try to alleviate some of the
social concerns of their local communities and worldwide. My grateful thanks go to you all for
your help, support, practical involvement and prayers.
(Objects 3, 4 and 5)
Elizabeth Pullen
Acting Unit Co-ordinator
Southwark Mothers’ Union through the eyes of the Area Vice Presidents
Croydon Area
We are now in the second year of our Joint Vice Presidency, and are very much encouraged by
the support we receive from our deaneries and branches in the Croydon Area. We look forward
to their continued support throughout the year. Our deanery leaders have been working
extremely hard to raise funds for projects, and the profile of our organisation.
The branches in the Croydon North and Central, and Sutton
Deaneries have been very active with their projects including
Baptism Cards and Teddies and Blankets for Croydon University
Hospital special baby unit. They also support Croydon Women’s Aid
with various items including toiletries, bedding, clothing and starter
packs. Several churches held events to raise funds for the ‘Wheels
Appeal.’
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During April, Croydon Minster held a sponsored walk in South Norwood Country Park and
raised £163, and in September, St Mark’s MU held a garden party which raised £837 for
Mothers’ Union projects.
In May St Mary Magdalene admitted their first male member The Rev. James White, curate of
the church, enrolled by Norma. St Albans also enrolled a new member, and presented a
certificate to Anne Harcourt who has been a member for over 50 years.
St Francis, West Wickham, in the Croydon Addington deanery bid farewell to their vicar, Merv at
the summer strawberry tea party, where a number of members from St, Mary’s Addiscombe,
attended to wish him farewell, as he had also been vicar at their church.
Kate Buckley was commissioned as Deanery Leader of Croydon South at Christ Church,
Purley, in January, during the 10am service. Both of us attended together with Lesley
Frankham, the Croydon Area Representative on the Trustee Board. Christ Church runs several
projects such as a toddler group, a special series of lunchtime prayer meetings, MU PLUS, and
helps with Croydon refugee centre. All Saints, St Mary’s, Sanderstead, and St Anthony,
Hamsey Green, ran a cake stall at the Christmas Fair and raised £210 for Mothers’ Union.
In February St John’s, Belmont, Mothers’ Union in the Sutton deanery, celebrated their
Centenary year with a really lovely service, including a parade
of banners from different branches, with our chaplain the Revd
Kevin Scott giving the address. Mention was made of Monica
Grant’s huge contribution to the Mothers’ Union over the years,
and the Diocesan President, Liz Pullen, presented her with a
certificate of 50 years’ membership.
The Sutton Deanery Leader, Janice Clarke, together with her
husband Humphrey, has been most proactive with projects and events in the deanery, with
Humphrey taking his talk ‘MU on the Move’ to many different places, including outside the
Diocese.
The Trustee branch visits went very well, and we gained a better insight on how the branches
are run, and learned more about MU both in the past and the present.
Some of the St Mark’s members went to the General Meeting in Belfast, which we found most
enjoyable. The church service at St Anne’s Cathedral was lovely, and the cathedral itself was
beautiful with plenty to explore. The General meeting was very interesting, and some of our
branch members remarked on how informative it was.
We both acted as stewards during the Mary Sumner House open days in August, which we
found to be most rewarding: we learn something new about Mary Sumner House each time we
go. We recommend that branches consider visiting this lovely place they won’t be disappointed.
Mary Sumner House is the centre from which the Mothers’ Union is organised.
During October, 2014 we both went on the Mothers’ Union retreat held at Wychcroft which we
found to be spiritually uplifting. We came away feeling refreshed and invigorated for the future.
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Also in October, Ann had the opportunity to represent Liz Pullen at the Canterbury Provincial
Conference when, amongst many other things, snapshots of the work undertaken in Southwark
Diocese could be given. The success of the Lewisham Walk was highlighted.
We wish to thank our branches and deaneries for all the support they have given us over the
year and hope to continue to be of service to you all.
(Objects 1,2,3,4 and 5)
Norma McKnight
Ann Squirrell,
Joint Croydon Area Vice Presidents
Kingston Area
Members in the Kingston Area have again made a generous contribution to the work of the
Mothers’ Union and have shown their ingenuity in raising funds for Mothers’ Union projects.
Among the fund-raising activities
organised this year was a Sponsored
Slim (£840), a Model Railway
Exhibition (£550), an International
Disco (£900), a Caribbean Evening
(£580) and participation in the
Richmond Park Ladies Run (£900) in
addition to the traditional Garden Parties and Cake Sales of
course, which raised hundreds of pounds. These activities also raise awareness of the work of
the Mothers’ Union both at home and overseas and involve members of congregations and the
general public.
There are three active deaneries in the Kingston Area, and the Deanery Leaders met together
in January to discuss progress and offer prayer and support for those branches experiencing
difficulties. I am grateful for the support of the Deanery Leaders for Kingston, Merton and
Battersea/Tooting/Wandsworth, who have liaised with their local branches very effectively.
Deanery meetings were held, following the Diocesan Council meetings, so that information
could be disseminated throughout the Area. These meetings were well attended and were
enjoyed by the branch members, especially by those who were unable to travel to the Council
meetings.
All our church services are open to everyone and the Kingston Area
celebrated Lady Day in style with services at St James’, Malden, in
the Kingston Deanery and at St Mary’s in Merton Deanery, both
followed by a delicious shared lunch. It is always uplifting when
members join together in prayer and worship, and share the
fellowship which is so highly valued. We enjoyed Advent services
at St Mark’s, Surbiton, St Paul’s, Hook, and St Peter’s, Norbiton,
this year to which all members were invited.
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The Kingston Area hosted the Diocesan Advent Service in the beautiful Church of All Saints,
West Dulwich, on 3 December 2014. The branch served refreshments after the service which
were thoroughly enjoyed by everyone.
Members in the Kingston Area have continued to support families in adversity by donating
toiletries and clothing to their local Women’s Refuge for victims of domestic violence, as well as
contributing to the AFIA scheme providing holidays for families in need and helping with local
foodbanks. We have also supported families with premature babies in Kingston Hospital by
knitting cot blankets, which the families then take home with them.
Sadly, we have had three branches close this year, at St Mary’s, Merton, All Saints, West
Dulwich and St Luke’s, Kingston. However, fortunately, many members have been welcomed
at neighbouring branches and continued their branch membership or have become Deanery
members.
I am delighted that the preparation and planning for a new branch opening at Christ Church,
Brixton Road has been completed ready for January 2015.
(Objects 1,2,3,4 and 5)
Sue Betts
Kingston Vice President
Reigate Area
I have had an interesting year as this included carrying out Trustee visits. Three of these were
in my own area, and two were in the Kingston Area. These visits enabled the communication
process both ways between the branches and the Trustee Board so that successes could be
celebrated and grouses resolved. These visits were enjoyed by everyone. My area is made up
of Reigate, Godstone and Caterham Deaneries making up the whole Reigate Area. I have just
picked out a few events that were held in different branches.
As there has been no Deanery Leader in the Reigate Area all the Branch Leaders get together
to discuss what they will be doing in the coming year. The first event was Charlwood having a
very enjoyable New Year Party with entertainment. They also had a Summer Lunch in a
member’s garden.
The members of the Church of the Good Shepherd, Tadworth,
assisted their Junior Church in making over 100 posies for Mothering
Sunday. These posies were given not only to their own mothers but to
other ladies in the church and also to ladies living in a local residential
home. The posies gave much pleasure to the local ladies.
The Tadworth Mothers’ Union members had also
distributed Smarties tubes, in which to collect money for the Literacy and
Financial Education Project. It seemed very sad to everyone, but especially
to the children, that there were mothers in every part of the world who were
unable to read and write.
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Tadworth had their Oversea Tea in April and a Strawberry Tea in July. This was the last time I
met up with Peggy Haswell, who had recently gone into a home, but was brought along to
church and other activities by members – at 95 she did very well. Sadly, Peggy has since died.
Some of you may remember her as Reigate Vice President, some years ago.
New members were admitted in several branches and all members from the Reigate Deanery
attended an excellent Lady Day service in St Bartholomew’s Church, Horley.
In September All Saints, South Merstham, hosted a talk by a lady from St Catherine’s Hospice
on ‘Bereavement in Childhood’. This was well-attended by members and the community. Much
was learned on this important subject. Merstham branch also make up children’s bereavement
packs containing simple information on death for the staff at local primary schools, so that
children who suffer a bereavement can be helped through the situation by the school staff.
Holy Trinity, Redhill MU celebrated their 100th Birthday with a joyful and thought-provoking Carol
Service in December.
Godstone Deanery still have no Deanery Leader, so they run as a committee, meeting twice a
year, and sharing what has been going on and what is coming up. They are all very
enthusiastic branches and join together on many occasions. Oxted have 4 bring and buy sales
a year, with a stall at the church’s annual May Fayre. St John’s, Dormansland, have a new
Branch Leader and had an Advent celebration and party.
Burstow have an Annual Garden Party in July and have various speakers during the year.
Lingfield visited the Crowhurst Christian Healing Centre. They had 4 new members enrolled.
St John’s, Caterham, held their first Summer Cream Tea, for Wheels Appeal and are intended
doing it again for 2015. All Saints, Warlingham, meet mainly on a Sunday and have various
fund raising events.
All the branches in the Reigate Area held fund raising events such as cake sales or bring and
buy stalls for ‘Make a Mother’s Day.’ Raising funds for the ‘Wheels Appeal’ was also very
popular.
Most of the branches make the Mothering Sunday posies, and are also involved in some way
with the Christingle Service. Many hold lunches after their Wave of Prayer services. Many
branches also knit blankets for the hospitals, or ‘teddies for tragedies,’ used by the police, social
services, refugees and refuges. Members are helping at toddler groups/Sunday School, Messy
Church, church coffee shops, collecting for refuge centres, and work at hospitals and
foodbanks, to name but a few.
Prayer is an important part of Mothers’ Union and this is included in their meetings and Lent
Meditations, and in special services held throughout the year. In most branch programmes,
there is meeting up for meals and outings together, which brings us all together and refreshes
us. We are all part of God’s family and share our love for each other by helping when a
member is in need. Let us praise God for our wonderful organisation, the Mothers’ Union.
(Objects 1,2,3,4 and 5)
Pearl Virno, Reigate Vice President
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Conclusion
As the foregoing demonstrates, there is much to celebrate in the work carried out in God’s
name at all levels by the members of Southwark Mothers’ Union. The commitment and vibrancy
of the work carried out by members within the Diocese follows the ideals laid down by Mary
Sumner, founder of Mothers’ Union, in 1876. She encouraged local Christians to walk with God
and spread his word through their prayer and outreach, sharing his love with families. During
2014, members in Southwark have volunteered to work in contact centres, lunch clubs,
hospitals, prisons, refugee centres, and many other local community projects and initiatives.
They are in contact with members worldwide and have raised funds for projects at home and
abroad. They have worked with other charities such as Action on Homelessness, Church Action
on Poverty, Community Links, The Children’s Society, Five Talents, Parents and Children
Together (the prisoners’ families charity), Spurgeons, The Trussell Trust, Welcare and Women’s
Aid on many projects, and have sold Cards for Good causes. Every project with which they
have been involved has been part of our Aim, Purpose and Mission. It is impossible to measure
the impact this work has had on families here in the Diocese and worldwide. We feel that Mary
Sumner would be proud of the achievements of Southwark Mothers’ Union members who offer
friendship, care and love to many families within the Diocese and throughout the world.
The Mothers’ Union – Southwark Diocese
Statement of Trustees’ Responsibilities
Under the Charities Act 2011, the Trustees are required to prepare a statement of accounts for
each accounting year which gives a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Mothers’
Union Southwark Diocese. They are required to:
1. Select suitable accounting policies and apply them consistently.
2. Make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent.
3. State whether the policies adopted are in accordance with the Charities Accounting
Regulations and with applicable accounting standards.
4. Prepare the financial statements on an on-going basis.
They are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable
accuracy at any time the financial position of the Mothers’ Union and to ensure that such
accounts comply with applicable accounting standards and with the Statement of
Recommended Practice (SORP) and the Regulations made under the Charities Act 2011. They
also have a responsibility to safeguard the assets of the Mothers’ Union and to take reasonable
steps for the prevention of fraud and other irregularities.
Accounting Policies: The accounts have been prepared in accordance with applicable
accounting standards and the Charities SORP.
Funds: General Funds represent the funds of the Trustees that are not subject to any
restrictions regarding their use and are available for application on the general purposes of the
Trustees.
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Funds designated for a particular purpose by the Trustees are also unrestricted.
Restricted funds are to be used for specified purposes as laid down by the donor. Expenditure
which meets these criteria is charged to the fund.
The accounts include all transactions, assets and liabilities for which the Trustees are
responsible in law. They do not include the accounts of groups that owe their main affiliation to
another body or those that are informal gatherings of MU members.
Receipts: Collections, subscriptions, donations and interest are recognised when received.
Income tax recoverable on Gift Aid donations is recognised when the income is recognised.
Funds raised through any other sources, including through sales of literature purchased from
Mothers’ Union Enterprises (MUe) are accounted for gross.
Payments: Grants and donations are accounted for when paid over.
Reserves Policy: Reserves are defined as income that becomes available and which is to be
expended at the discretion of the Trustees in furtherance of their objects, but which has not yet
been spent, committed or designated. The Trustees recognise the need to hold reserves to
allow protection of the core activities in the event of income shortfalls and to promote balanced
strategic planning. Through prudent housekeeping over a number of years, the reserves have
been built up to the current level. The Trustee Board budgets and plans its expenditure and
intends to maintain reserves that will protect the Charity against income shortfalls. A sum of
£15,000 has also been set aside in a designated fund to rent and equip a Diocesan Mothers’
Union Office should the present premises become unavailable, and to cover the secretary’s
salary for 6 months in an emergency.
Investment Policy: The Trustees continue to invest in the Central Board of Finance of the
Church of England, HSBC savings account and high interest savings. £100 is invested in 3.5%
War Loan.
Risk Assessment and Safeguarding: In common with other charities, the Trustees face risks,
be they operational, financial or reputational. The Trustees consider and review the major areas
of risk to which they are exposed, and establish systems to mitigate the potential risks identified.
This was last reviewed and approved by the Trustees on 16th April 2013.
The Trustee minutes of 22nd September 2014 state that, “It was noted again that the Southwark
Mothers’ Union Trustees uphold the Southwark Diocesan Safeguarding Policies, Procedures
and Guidelines as given in the manual ‘A Safe Church.’”
Midday Prayer May we always see the world through the eyes of Christ,
speak to those we meet with the words of Christ, and take with us on our journey the peace of Christ.
AMEN